Tag Archives: glass

iOS 26 Launch: Essential Insights on Apple’s Liquid Glass Enhancements

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Apple is set to unveil major software updates for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch this Monday, significantly altering the icons, lock screen, and overall system appearance, along with introducing features for compatible devices.

Unveiled during the company’s developer conference in June, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26 Tahoe introduce a new liquid glass design, offering a softer, rounder look that enhances the overall user interface.

Here’s what you should know regarding the update:

When can I get it?

Updates for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS typically become available around 6pm in the UK (1pm in New York and 3am in Sydney). Unlike other manufacturers, all eligible Apple devices can download and install these updates immediately upon release.

Which devices are supported?

All Apple smartphones starting from the 2019 iPhone 11 and newer can install iOS 26. The 2018 iPad Pro, 2019 iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Mini (5th generation), and iPad (8th generation), along with all newer tablets, are also supported. Furthermore, iMacs from 2020, Mac Studios from 2022, and Mac Pros from 2019 onward can run macOS 26 Tahoe.

How can I install it?

To download, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, navigate to General > Software Updates. If available, tap on Install, confirm, restart, and exit. You can also update using a Windows computer via iTunes or the Mac app.

For watchOS 26, ensure that your iPhone 11 or later is running iOS 26. Then, open the Watch app on your phone and go to General > Software Updates to start the installation. Ensure your smartwatch is on the charger to complete the update.

On your Mac, update through System Settings, going to General > Software Update.

What is the cost?

Apple updates are free of charge. If prompted to pay for an update, it is likely a scam.

What happened to iOS 19-25?

Apple has adopted a new year-based naming format for its software updates. Thus, iOS versions 18 and earlier released between September 2024 and 2025 are now replaced by iOS 26 and subsequent versions from 2025-2026. This is akin to sports season naming conventions.

Liquid glass design

Each operating system now sports a cohesive translucent design, reminiscent of frosted glass bubbles overlaid on a flat background, providing depth to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, influenced by the Vision Pro headset. Buttons, menus, icons, and notification banners are shiny and responsive, enabling translucence with wallpapers and content below them.

iOS 26


The liquid glass aesthetic on the home screen and icons is one of the most significant changes in iOS history. Composite: Apple

The liquid glass redesign alters the shape and appearance of home screen icons and widgets. Alongside redefined app icons, you have the option to make them translucent in color.

Notifications and other elements now bounce from the top of the screen. A widget appears on the bottom of the lock screen that dynamically scales the clock size based on the number of notifications displayed.

Dynamic and concealed buttons

Buttons will condense when not engaged. For instance, the camera app has been optimized to conceal extra modes behind sliders or larger pop-up menus. Safari’s address bar and navigation buttons shrink into a small button at the bottom while scrolling. You can access tabs and controls by swiping up or tapping the 3-dot button.

Easier spam filtering


Enhanced spam filtering is integrated into the phone and messaging applications. Composite: Apple

The phone app can automatically screen calls from unknown numbers by answering and asking why they are calling before your iPhone notifies you. Messages will screen texts from new senders to detect spam, organizing them into separate inboxes. The phone app also allows you to hold while waiting for customer service representatives.

Both the phone app, FaceTime, and Messages now feature live translation capabilities.

Game Center App

The new gaming app acts as a centralized hub on your iPhone, featuring a game library that showcases what your friends are playing, replacing the Arcade for tracking achievements, competitions, and gaming events.

iPadOS 26


iPadOS 26 features a significant upgrade for multitasking, aligning more closely with macOS. Composite: Apple

iPadOS shares the new visual redesign with the iPhone, featuring clear icons and hidden buttons. More importantly, it introduces an innovative multitasking feature tailored for users utilizing iPads as laptop substitutes.

Mac-like menu bar and full windowing


The familiar macOS menu bar is now available on the iPad. Composite: Apple

A key addition for the iPad is the introduction of the Mac-like menu bar and window management features. You can swipe down from the center at the top of the app screen to access a menu bar containing various functionalities including settings, files, views, and more as on a Mac.

It features the classic red, yellow, and green three-dot menu allowing you to close, minimize, and resize windows. Holding the button reveals tiling and movement options similar to macOS, or you can manually resize windows to your desired size. Swipe to expose, flick left or right to snap apps to the sides, or flick to make an app full-screen.

You can easily open and overlap multiple windows, tile them side by side, or transform your home screen into a desktop interface akin to a Mac.

Preview and Files Apps

The Files app has been enhanced to streamline document and file management on your iPad. You can designate a default app for certain file types, similar to a computer setup. Specific folders like Downloads and Documents can now be directly added to the dock for easier access.

The Preview app from Mac is now on your iPad, allowing the viewing, editing, and annotation of PDFs, images, and more with Apple Pencil.

watchOS 26


watchOS 26 enhances your fitness experience and includes many features from iOS 26. Composite: Apple

The liquid glass design of the iPhone is even more prominent on the Apple Watch, featuring notification bubbles overlaying the Watch Face, floating buttons within apps, and smart widget stacks for a softer aesthetics.

Workout Companion

Apple’s new Fitness for Fitness chatbot, named Workout Buddy, provides ongoing conversation and motivation during workouts similar to the guidance offered by an Apple Fitness+ Coach. It marks significant training achievements, such as reaching specific milestones or pacing goals and summarizes your workout afterward. This feature requires Bluetooth headphones connected to the watch and an iPhone 15 Pro or later nearby.

Sleep Score and Hypertension Alerts

The sleep app calculates a sleep score every morning, giving you an overview of your rest quality. For Series 9 or Ultra 2 and newer watches, a blood pressure monitoring feature will alert you if hypertension signs are detected over the past 30 days.

Wrist Flick

Apple has introduced innovative gestures to the touch-free capabilities of the new Watch. A simple wrist flick away from you will reject notifications, alarms, and alerts. Additionally, double-tap gestures offer an easy way to dismiss things or interact with the watch without touch.

New Watch Faces


A selection of new and improved watch faces is included with watchOS 26. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

Three new clock faces have been introduced. Flow features a large digital display that utilizes a liquid glass design, changing colors in response to movement. Exactograph separates hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct analog dials available in various styles. Ultra-exclusive waypoints surround the time with live compasses pointing to landmarks and significant locations. Additionally, revamped photo faces feature floating numbers.

macOS 26 Tahoe


macOS 26 Tahoe incorporates the same liquid glass design elements as the other updates. Composite: Apple

macOS receives a majority of the new features and design updates seen in iOS and iPadOS, including rounded window corners and glass-like design elements.

Phone App


The Phone app allows you to initiate and manage calls seamlessly. Composite: Apple

Apple enhances the Phone app on Mac, enabling calls through Wi-Fi and connected iPhones. It shows recent calls, voicemail, contacts, includes new call screening features, and maintains iPhone assist functionality.

Live activities, such as sports scores and streaming updates, are now visible in the Mac’s menu bar.

Spotlight

Actions have been incorporated into the Spotlight search system. This allows you to send messages and emails, generate notes, and set reminders, all directly from the search bar. You can filter files by type, group them, find documentation from third-party cloud services, and explore apps, files, clipboard history, and other content instead of using traditional search methods.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Sky Glass Air Review: Outstanding Budget Smart TV | Gadgets

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sKY’s newest streaming TV model offers an excellent all-in-one budget solution for your living space. It successfully fulfills all these demands while establishing a strong presence among similar priced, average appliances.

Glass Air is the lightweight, sleek, and affordable alternative to the Glass Gen 2, designed to be the first low-cost option from Sky, priced at £309 or available for £20 with interest-free credits.

Like its pricier counterparts, Glass Air requires a Sky subscription for full functionality. It serves as a basic smart TV featuring streaming apps and three HDMI ports, but you won’t be utilizing Sky TV unless you subscribe to TV over broadband service.

Glass Air can be viewed as a stripped-down version of Glass Gen 2, maintaining the same service and internal smart hardware, yet lacking an integrated soundbar, aluminum housing, and various display options, leading to a reduced weight and thickness.

The slender plastic frame comes in three color choices along with matching remote controls. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

This means all you need is a power cable and an internet connection; no aerial or satellite cables are needed thanks to WiFi or Ethernet. The remote also unifies TV, streaming apps, and services. Additionally, it includes Sky’s voice control system with a built-in microphone, allowing you to power it on and manage search, volume, and playback simply by saying “Hello Sky” followed by a command. While the voice command can be a bit finicky at times, it works effectively. Alternatively, you can press and hold the microphone button on the remote to communicate with it.

The 60Hz display is a vibrant and clear 4K LCD panel with HDR support, although it lacks the superior local dimming backlight found in Glass Gen 2 and other premium TVs. Consequently, the picture maintains a uniform brightness across scenes, diminishing the contrast between bright and dark areas. This can make certain high-contrast scenes appear less dramatic and somewhat shallow, though bright visuals remain appealing.

Nonetheless, the TV excels at showing beautiful visuals, performs well with everyday television shows, and handles vivid animations and dark-themed films competently.

Glass Air features three HDMI ports, an optical port, two USB ports, Ethernet, and an aerial socket, but only requires power and WiFi for operation. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 15W stereo speakers are surprisingly impressive for a slim TV devoid of a soundbar. They deliver clear vocals and can reach volumes sufficient to fill medium-sized rooms, a feat not typically associated with most TV speakers.

While they lack deep bass and any surround sound capabilities, they are adequate for viewing bargain hunts and Premier League games. For a more immersive audio experience, you can connect a soundbar via one of the three HDMI ports; however, turning up the TV’s volume may impede some screen visibility.

Sky OS

The modern Sky Interface consolidates all your content into a single, user-friendly system for both live and on-demand viewing. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

A significant selling point for Glass Air over other budget TVs is its robust software. Sky OS has seen considerable improvements in recent years and operates smoothly with Glass Air.

It allows for seamless integration of live broadcasts and on-demand content through excellent playlist functionalities, making it easy to keep track of shows and movies. The ability to watch live TV, pause, and rewind functions efficiently. It supports nearly all major streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Channel 4, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, and Discovery+, among others.

Glass Air is compatible with AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for streaming content from a variety of Apple devices.

Sustainability

The TV shifts to screensaver mode before powering down after a designated period of inactivity while detecting motion through a remote sensor. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The TV is designed for repair, incorporating recycled materials and solder. The company has a program for recycling older units and ships the TV in packaging free of plastic.

Price

The Sky Glass Air is offered in three sizes: £309 for 43 inches, £509 for 55 inches, and £649 for 65 inches. It also provides 24- or 48-month, interest-free payment options for £6-£20 per month.

The minimum Sky package for essential TV service starts at £15 per month, with various options for entertainment, movies, kids, and sports channels available on a 24 or 1-month rolling contract, including Netflix and Discovery+.

Verdict

Sky Glass Air is a solid budget-friendly television that includes all the perks of Sky’s Pay-TV bundled with broadband service.

It’s lightweight and slim, with stereo speakers that outperform many other thin models. The 4K visuals are bright and vibrant, though there’s a slight contrast issue at times. The essential features of the TV are satisfactory. When compared to other budget competitors in terms of service and software, it is notably superior to many low-end smart TVs.

However, a monthly subscription is required for full access, but those interested in Sky Pay-TV will find that they are not compromising on software experience with this affordable model. Plus, it offers the remarkable convenience of all TV and streaming services in one box, needing just one remote and basic power and internet.

Shop wisely and secure a well-designed mid-range TV that exceeds expectations at this price point. Glass Air is an excellent choice for those seeking value in a crowded market of budget televisions.

Pros: All-in-one streaming and pay TV device, decent sound quality, no satellite/cable or aerial needed.

Cons: Lacks local dimming which results in lower contrast, limited refresh rates for gaming consoles, and no Chromecast support. Subscription required.

The TV connects to a sturdy plastic stand featuring two metal prongs and requires no additional tools. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Sky Glass Gen 2 Review: Elevating Smart Streaming TV Experience

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The new Sky Glass Smart TV version brings all-in-one functionality, making Pay TV quicker, clearer, and free from satellite use, proving to be one of the top models available compared to its predecessors.


The Sky Glass Gen 2 serves as the direct successor to the initial 2021 model, which introduced Sky’s broadband-based TV service, eliminating the need for satellite dishes. Available in three sizes, the smallest being 43 inches, it can be purchased with a one-time payment over four years, after which you fully own it.

Starting at £15 per month for Sky Essential TV Packs, a Sky subscription is necessary for full access. While you can’t use the TV without a subscription, should you decide to cancel in the future, it functions as a basic smart TV with access to streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, equipped with a basic aerial and multiple HDMI inputs.




The Gen 2 is available in three colors, complete with a matching remote control. Photo: Sky UK

From the front, the Gen 2 closely resembles its predecessor, featuring a sleek, monolithic design with an aluminum body, a slim bezel, and a soundbar cleverly concealed behind a mesh that matches the bottom colors. The voice-activated microphone responds to “Hello Sky.” Although the Glass Gen 2 is thinner and lighter than the previous model, it remains on the heavier side compared to newer models. The 43-inch version weighs 14.7kg, while the larger 55-inch and 65-inch variants necessitate the assistance of two people for safe handling.

The newly designed stand simplifies setup, even for the tested 65-inch model, as the TV easily slots into two prongs and requires a stable mount secured with screws and tools. For internet connectivity, a power cable and WiFi or Ethernet connection are essential. Wall brackets are sold separately.




The TV detects movement and powers on/off as needed, displaying full-screen recommendations for the latest shows and movies. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The vibrant 4K LCD display is notably brighter than the previous version, with improved black depths and significantly reduced halo effects. The screen’s automatic brightness adjustments can make content look overly dark in rooms that aren’t brightly lit, but turning this feature off enhances viewing.

Sky has included an automatic image optimization mode that detects content types such as entertainment, sports, and movies. Additionally, modes like manual, vibrant, and film are available for those who prefer more intense colors. The entertainment mode can make skin tones appear overly warm, while I found the film mode to be more balanced, also offering a custom mode for personalized adjustments.

The screen’s capabilities shine when displaying HDR content, be it films, shows, or sports. The Premier League looks crisp and lively, while titles like Mad Max: Fury Road in Dolby Vision are particularly impressive. However, this TV isn’t the most suitable option for gaming on consoles like the Xbox or PS5, as it lacks variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, which are advantageous for console games.

Impressive Sound and Clarity




The speakers are positioned on the grill at the top and the fabric strip at the bottom of the screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

A significant benefit of Sky Glass over conventional TVs is the built-in speaker soundbar. Vocals maintain clarity at nearly all volumes, sidestepping the common lip-sync issues found with external soundbars. Even without an additional subwoofer or rear speakers, it impressively delivers substantial sound.

However, it struggles to produce deep, rich bass, and while the sound has impressive width, virtual surround effects are limited, necessitating more complex systems with additional speakers to achieve this.

The TV also features night mode, audio enhancement, and bass boost settings. The night mode is especially handy for lowering loud sounds while ensuring dialogue remains comprehensible, making it ideal for late-night screenings without disturbing others.

Enhanced Sky Over Broadband




To stream HD, a minimum of 25Mbps is required; for UHD broadcasts, 30Mbps is necessary, but Sky’s broadband service does not need to operate at these levels. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Since the original Glass launched in 2021, the robustness of the Sky OS service has greatly improved. It still offers excellent search capabilities and advanced playlist features, alongside multiple user profiles that allow each family member to maintain their own lists and recommendations, including children’s profiles.

The playlist feature automatically tracks new episodes from shows or movies you are interested in, directing you to a “Continue Watching” section, making it easy to return to the content you’ve already begun.

Features like live TV, pause, and rewind function seamlessly. Recent reductions in broadcast delays greatly enhance the experience, ensuring thrilling moments aren’t missed for friends relying on satellite or aerial feeds.

On-demand content from the Sky Platform works effectively, and third-party services like BBC iPlayer, ITV X, and Channel 4 have seen significant enhancements compared to previous reliance on recordings. While not quite as seamless and speedy as local recordings on Sky Q and similar PVRs, most apps launch quickly, perform well, and lead directly to the desired episode from your playlist or search result.

It supports most leading on-demand services, including My5, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Discovery+, and others, allowing for all content to be easily accessed in one location.




Voice control is operational via remote buttons, though the TV’s voice activation is somewhat unpredictable, comprehending commands about 60% of the time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Sustainability

The TV is designed for repair, featuring 22% recycled materials, such as aluminum, fabric, tin, and plastic. The manufacturer also recycles old devices and packages the TV using plastic-free materials.

Pricing

The price for Sky Glass Gen 2 is £699 for the 43-inch model, £949 for the 55-inch model, and £1,199 for the 65-inch model, with no-interest payment plans available for either 24 or 48 months for all models.

The 24-month plans for Sky Essential TV start at £15 monthly; Sky Ultimate TV begins at £22 per month; UHD with Dolby Atmos costs an additional £6, along with options to skip ads. Other available add-ons include Sky Sports starting from £31 monthly, TNT Sports from £31, Sky Cinema from £13, and Sky Kids at £8. Discounts are possible with certain combinations, although pricing varies for different packages every 31 days.

Conclusion

While the first generation of Glass needed refinement, the Gen 2 addresses many of its shortcomings effectively.

It offers a brighter, faster display with higher contrast and impressive handling. Additionally, it boasts the best sound quality among available TVs. It remains competitive in the mid-range market, although aesthetically pleasing screens can be found at similar price points without a soundbar. For those in search of the absolute finest display, alternatives are available.

The Sky OS service has advanced significantly to reach performance levels comparable to the leading competitors in the sector. Live broadcasts work smoothly, whether from satellite or cable. Sky’s on-demand offerings are just as effective as local recordings, while third-party apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX have reached acceptable performances. Featuring robust search and playlist capabilities that support all major streaming services makes content discovery effortless.

Ultimately, the convenience of the Glass Gen 2, providing an all-in-one solution with solid sound and a unified remote for all TV functions, is a major draw.

Pros: All-in-one streaming and pay TV device, remarkable sound quality, no need for satellite or cable, excellent remote control functionality, robust search and playlist features, improved apps, enhanced display with excellent HDR, customizable image modes, and integrated voice control.

Cons: Image quality not as strong as some competitors, certain image modes need improvement, auto brightness settings can be bothersome, gaming consoles lack faster refresh rates, heavier and bulkier design, no Chromecast support, and some third-party on-demand services remain subpar.




The Power and Microphone Mute buttons are conveniently positioned on the right side of the TV. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Pennsylvania Museum Presents a Sanctuary Beneath the Artist’s Glass Dome

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This article forms part of the museum’s special feature on how artists and institutions are evolving in response to a changing world.

“Super/Natural”—an immersive, dome-shaped stained glass artwork by Judith Schaechter—truly comes to life from within.

Entering through the small portal, one is enveloped by vibrant glows of birds, stars, insects, and fantastical plants and roots in optimal lighting. Earlier this year, I had the chance to experience it firsthand in Schaechter’s home studio, and I felt a unique blend of serenity and admiration.

This evokes a thoughtful design. Such illumination profoundly affects human emotions, a truth acknowledged by medieval architects and glass artisans centuries ago.

“I’m not particularly religious, but it’s hard not to feel a sense of reverence and awe when stepping into the dome,” noted Chief Curator Laura Turner Igo. The James A. Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, currently features nine glass panels and two related drawings that delve into the eight-foot-tall artwork and our connection to the universe. The exhibition, Super/Natural, opened on April 12th and extends through September 14th.

“You’re enveloped by a riot of plants, insects, and birds,” Igo explained. “Skeletons and bones are present, representing both the splendor of life and the interconnectedness of death and decay. It’s beautiful yet slightly unnerving.”

Schaechter created this exquisite piece during her recent tenure as an artist-in-residence at the Penn Neurotherapy Center in Philadelphia, situated about 40 miles from Michener. The center was on her radar due to her interest in literature regarding the science of consciousness and beauty, often referred to as the “aesthetic brain.” I will oversee the center’s various activities.

When Schaechter reached out a few years back, she found that the center frequently hosts artists, and the timing coincided with the end of the current residents’ term. Excitedly, she volunteered for the next opportunity.

Upon arrival, she aimed to create an immersive experience that positions humans at the center of a “three-layer cosmos,” as she described in a video interview. The resulting structure serves as a serene and enigmatic sanctuary.

Dr. Chatterjee remarked that he wasn’t surprised by the emotional impact of Schaechter’s work. “Usually, feelings of reverence arise in the presence of vastness, making individuals feel small and connected to something greater,” he mentioned in an email interview. “The brain’s network that triggers contemplation and rewards likely gets activated. This can lead to the release of endogenous endorphins related to transcendence, as well as the pleasant emotions of oxytocin associated with connection.”

Schaechter began her BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1983 and was recently honored with the 2024 Smithsonian Visionary Award. She is represented by the Claire Oliver Gallery, and her works are part of collections at both the Philadelphia Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

“No one works in glass quite like Judith,” Igo said. She recounted her recent visit to the Met, where she viewed “Garden Landscape,” a three-part stained glass window crafted by Agnes Northrop at Louis Comfort Tiffany’s studio. “Such artworks likely share the immersive quality and technique of ‘Super/Natural,'” she noted, referencing Maxfield Parrish’s “Dream Garden.”

“Of course, Northrop’s work was produced by a larger studio, while Judith meticulously crafted every piece for ‘Super/Natural,'” she added.

Last month, Schaechter discussed her work in a video interview from a beautifully restored 19th-century row house in Philadelphia. The conversation was edited for clarity and brevity.

What artistic goals did you set during your residency at the Penn Neuroaesthetics Center?

They focus on three core themes: beauty and morality, the built environment and wellness, and the relationship with art.

I aimed to undertake a project that confronted issues of beauty and morality, yet I yearned for artistic inspiration. At the onset of my residency, I delved into natural history illustrations, particularly those created by women, which had been one of the few acceptable art forms for women in the 17th and 18th centuries. I found Maria Sibilla Merian’s work particularly inspiring. These artists aimed to render nature objectively, yet their work often appeared more artistic than scientific. I sought to explore this intersection.

What is your experience like at the center?

The atmosphere is fascinating, accommodating around 15 individuals at any time. There are undergraduate students, many of whom are pursuing dual majors in artistic disciplines like architecture and fine art. There is also a medical student focused on plastic surgery who is keen on aesthetics for evident reasons. Weekly lab meetings gather everyone to share project updates, including both Dr. Chatterjee and myself.

Reflecting on my experience in “Super/Natural,” why do you believe glass, particularly the way it interacts with light, evokes such a sense of awe?

I think it has a biological basis. We have an inherent physical response to light, particularly when it’s refracted through glass. Colored light holds a certain magic; it isn’t simply perceived as absence. Most artworks are intended to be appreciated in reflected light since, as humans, we aren’t designed to gaze directly at the sun. Thus, the role of stained glass artists is to modulate that light, rendering it visible.

It’s as though you can reach out and touch the light; glass lets you momentarily grasp something ethereal.

Indeed, people are captivated by radiant light. Just think of how someone might place an empty vodka bottle in a kitchen window to catch the light. It doesn’t always have to be extravagant to be appreciated. There lies an extraordinary resonance in that experience.

What do you hope visitors take away from their experience with your work?

I aim to spark inspiration in others. Everything crafted within the dome emanates from my imagination.

I am immensely grateful for advancing technology, which allows me to explore the craft field within the dome without negating the human touch. However, I feel that many become enamored by technology and overlook the extraordinary power of our own hands and intellect. So while working on the dome, I relied on few reference materials; at 64, my mental repository is rich with experiences and knowledge.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Gold Flecks Give Ultra-Clear Glass a Completely Opaque Appearance on One Side

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Objects visible through glare-free materials are clear, but traditional anti-glare films (right) blur the view.

Mu Wang et al/Nanjing University

Glare-free windows can be made from materials studded with billions of tiny metal patches. This leaves the one-way window matte – it looks opaque and reflects only 1% of the light from outside – but it is still transparent, so it doesn’t blur your view or significantly reduce the amount of light it lets in. You may be able to secure the privacy of your car or office without having to worry about it. They let them in.

Mu Wan Nanjing University in China and his colleagues have created a glass-like material with a matte finish similar to frosted glass, called transparent material surface (TMS). Unlike existing anti-glare coatings and films, objects can be viewed and photographed through TMS without blur.

Wang notes that matte and transparent are typically mutually exclusive properties. To accomplish both at the same time, he and his team coated the material with nanosized patches that scatter and reflect light in just the right way. They make these parts from reflective metals like gold and materials like silicon that conduct electricity poorly, which reduces the amount of light reflected. They then placed billions of them onto glass wafers.

They tested it by shining a light on it and found that a camera with a TMS wafer over the lens could reflect just 1.3% of the light while transmitting enough light to take clear photos. . The researchers also asked the AI ​​to identify a tennis ball on the other side, combined with a camera connected to the AI ​​that labels the object. The AI ​​was successful when viewing the ball through TMS, but labeled the ball as “unidentified” when viewing through the blur created by traditional anti-glare film.

“The most exciting part of the experiment for us was the interesting moment when we saw the freshly prepared 4-inch sample with our own eyes for the first time without any special equipment. The material became transparent when light passed through it. It was difficult to imagine that there would be no distortion in the image, but it would look dull when reflecting light,” says Wang.

Simon Horsley Researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK say the material is suitable for making “very large windows” and could help reduce light pollution. Reflections are a major source of light pollution, and this material helps minimize light pollution by reflecting soft, diffused light instead of annoying bright glare.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists edge closer to creating genuine one-way glass

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Scientists from Aalto University have proposed a three-dimensional metamaterial with isotropic effects in the visible spectral range.

The new metamaterial is formed by randomly oriented bimaterial nanocylinders in the host medium. Image credit: Ihar Faniayeu / Aalto University.

Unlike natural materials, metamaterials and metasurfaces can be tailored to have specific electromagnetic properties. This means scientists can create materials with desirable functionality for industrial applications.

A newly proposed metamaterial takes advantage of nonreciprocal magnetoelectric (NME) effects.

“The NME effect implies a link between specific properties of materials (magnetization and polarization) and various field components of light and other electromagnetic waves,” lead author Shadi Safaei Jaji et al. said.

Although this effect is negligible in natural materials, scientists are looking to enhance it using metamaterials and metasurfaces because of the technological possibilities it unlocks.

“So far, the NME effect has not translated into practical industrial applications,” Jazio said.

“Most of the proposed approaches only work for microwaves, not visible light, and could not be manufactured with available technology.”

“We used conventional materials and nanofabrication techniques to design an optical NME metamaterial that can be created with existing technology.”

This new material enables applications that previously required strong external magnetic fields. For example, creating a truly one-way glass.

“Glass currently sold as 'one-way' is translucent and transmits light in both directions,” says Jayge.

“If the brightness is different on both sides (for example, inside and outside the window), it acts like one-way glass.”

“However, with NME-based unidirectional glass, light can only pass in one direction, so there is no need for differences in brightness.”

“Imagine having that glass in your home, office, and car window.”

“Regardless of the brightness outside, you can't see anything inside and have a perfect view from the window.”

“If the technology is successful, this unidirectional glass could also increase the efficiency of solar cells by blocking the thermal radiation that existing cells emit toward the sun, thereby reducing the amount of energy that the cells capture. It will be done.”

of work It was published in the magazine nature communications.

_____

S. Safaei Jazz other. 2024. Optical Telegen metamaterial with spontaneous magnetization. Nat Commune 15, 1293; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45225-y

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Develop New “Cooling Glass” to Combat Climate Change by Channeling Heat from Buildings into Space

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Innovative “cooling glass” developed by researchers at the University of Maryland provides a groundbreaking, non-electrical solution for reducing indoor heat and carbon emissions, and significantly advances sustainable building technology. It shows great progress.

Applying new coatings to exterior surfaces can reduce air conditioning usage and help fight climate change.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed an innovative “cooling glass” designed to reduce indoor temperatures without using electricity. This revolutionary material works by harnessing the cold air of outer space.

New technology, microporous glass coating, described in paper published in the journal sciencecan lower the temperature of the material beneath it by 3.5 degrees. Celsius According to a research team led by distinguished professor Liangbing Hu of the university’s School of Materials Science and Engineering, it has the potential to reduce the annual carbon dioxide emissions of mid-rise apartments by 10%.

Cooling mechanism with two functions

This coating works in two ways. For one, it reflects up to 99% of solar radiation, preventing buildings from absorbing heat. Even more interestingly, this universe emits heat in the form of long-wave infrared radiation into the icy universe, whose temperature is typically -270 degrees Celsius, or just a few degrees warmer. absolute temperature.

In a phenomenon known as “radiative cooling,” spaces effectively act as heat sinks for buildings. They use new cooling glass designs and so-called atmospheric transparency windows (the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that passes through the atmosphere without increasing its temperature) to dump large amounts of heat into the infinitely colder sky beyond. Masu. (Although the emissions are much stronger than those from the new glass developed at UMD, the same phenomenon causes the Earth to cool itself, especially on clear nights.)

State-of-the-art durable materials

“This is an innovative technology that simplifies the way we keep buildings cool and energy efficient,” said research assistant Xinpeng Zhao, lead author of the study. “This could help us change the way we live and take better care of our homes and the planet.”

Unlike previous attempts at cooling coatings, the new glass developed by UMD is environmentally stable, withstanding exposure to water, UV light, dirt, and even flame, and withstands temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. can withstand. Because glass can be applied to a variety of surfaces such as tile, brick, and metal, the technology is highly scalable and can be adopted for a wide range of applications.

The research team could use finely ground glass particles as a binder, bypassing polymers and increasing long-term durability outdoors, Zhao said. We then selected a particle size that maximizes the release of infrared heat while reflecting sunlight.

Climate change solutions and global impacts

The development of cooling glass is in line with global efforts to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change, Hu said, adding that this year’s Independence Day could have been the world’s hottest day in 125,000 years. He pointed out recent reports that it was a day of sex.

“This ‘cooling glass’ is not just a new material, it’s an important part of the solution to climate change,” he said. “By reducing the use of air conditioners, we have taken a big step towards reducing energy usage and reducing our carbon footprint. This is because new technology is helping us build a cooler, greener world. It shows how it can help.”

In addition to Hu and Zhao, Jelena Srebric and Zongfu Yu, professors of mechanical engineering in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are co-authors of the study, each contributing expertise in CO2 reduction and structural design. There is. .

The team is now focused on further testing and practical application of the cooled glass. They are optimistic about its commercialization prospects and have formed a startup company, CeraCool, to scale and commercialize it.

Reference: “Solution-processed radiatively cooled glass” Xinpeng Zhao, Tangyuan Li, Hua Xie, He Liu, Lingzhe Wang, Yurui Qu, Stephanie C. Li, Shufeng Liu, Alexandra H. Brozena, Zongfu Yu, Jelena Srebric, Liangbing Written by Hu, November 9, 2023, science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adi2224

Source: scitechdaily.com